Hammocks are a great alternative to tent camping and offer some key advantages. Since the hammock is off the ground, the ground itself does not need to be flat, level or free of debris. The trees, however, do need to be roughly the right distance apart and sufficiently sturdy to take the weight.

Where to hang a hammocks

Hanging a hammock from a pair of trees too close will cause the hammock to have an acute curve – not ideal for a comfortable night. Choose trees which are alive and strong enough not to bend or break. Check the area for any trees which could fall under heavy wind. The distance between the trees should be more than 150% further apart than the length of the hammock, but not more than 200%. For example, if the hammock is 11 ft long, try to find trees about 18 ft appart. The height at which the hammock attaches to the trees should then be at around 6 ft, and the angle of the cord to the hammock around 30 degrees.

How to strap a tree for hammocks

Use straps or webbing to provide plenty of friction and to avoid damaging the tree. Use a length of webbing with an overhand knot at each end and tuck one end through the other ends overhand knot. Have the working end come out at a position around the tree so that it goes towards the hammock. Under a load, the webbing will tighten equally around the tree.